SEREMBAN — The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), through the National Sports Council (NSC), has allocated RM492,460 for the development of wushu this year, announced Minister Hannah Yeoh.
She explained that the funding is part of the Talent and Development Programme, which includes grants for 14 state sports councils, coaches’ allowances, and support for competitions and event management at the state level.
“This is a recognition for the sport, as wushu is one of the sports with a very active association in talent scouting. I hope the talent programmes and camps held this year will continue next year,” she said during the State Wushu Team Achievement Certificate Presentation ceremony in Negeri Sembilan.
The event was also attended by the Wushu Federation of Malaysia president Chong Kim Fatt and the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
In addition, Hannah highlighted that KBS had supported the organisation of national wushu championships through the sports matching grant, with RM300,000 allocated in 2023, RM59,000 from the community sports fund, and RM214,000 this year for five championships.
The wushu talent search programme also received RM180,000.
Hannah expressed pride in the positive outcomes of these allocations, with Malaysian athletes securing medals at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games and the 16th World Wushu Championships.
“What’s interesting is that now wushu is not only participated in by the Chinese community but can also be championed by Malay exponents. This proves that the sport is a medium for unity and understanding among Malaysians,” she said.
She stressed the importance of athletes being part of an association to continue honing their skills and talents while also helping develop younger athletes.
Hannah also welcomed greater involvement of athletes in sports administration, encouraging more courses on sports and management to meet the needs of the athletes.
“The ceremony today serves to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of athletes and inspire new talents to pursue wushu,” she added.
“It also helps raise awareness of wushu among the public and recognises the support of various stakeholders, including the state government, ministries, departments, and sports associations.” — November 20, 2024